Original scientific paper

Airborne fungi in a dairy barn with emphasis on microclimate and emissions

Kristina Matković orcid.org/0000-0003-3091-4981 ; Department of Animal Hygiene, Environment and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Marija Vučemilo ; Department of Animal Hygiene, Environment and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Bara Vinković ; Department of Zoohygiene and Livestock Technology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
Željko Pavičić ; Department of Animal Hygiene, Environment and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Srećko Matković ; Ministry of Agriculture, Fishery and Rural Development, Zagreb, Croatia
Marijan Benić ; Adria grupa-Adria servis, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine fungi count in a dairy barn and its immediate environment and to help establish borderline values in line with EU recommendations on airborne emissions from animal housing. A Merck MAS-100 air sampler was employed with respective nutrient agar for the capture, incubation and counting of airborne fungi. Air temperature, relative humidity and air velocity were simultaneously determined by a Testo 400 device. Air sampling was done once a week in the morning (at 7:30), in the middle of the day (at 12:30) and in the evening (at 18:30), during two autumn months. Within the barn, measurements were performed in the animal housing area along the feedlot and outside the barn at a distance of 5 m, 25 m and 50 m, downwind and upwind from the barn. The mean values of total airborne fungi count in the barn air were 5.85×104 /m3 in the morning, 5.52×104 CFU/m3 at noon, and 6.01×104 CFU/m3 in the evening. The fungi count
showed a statistically significant decrease as close as 5 m to the barn (P<0.05). The microclimate parameters measured in the barn were within the standard values for dairy barn indoor atmospheres.

Keywords

air temperature; relative humidity; air velocity; airborne fungi; dairy barn; environment

Hrčak ID:

45252

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/45252

Publication date:

16.6.2009.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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